11 things to discover on a family holiday to Wales

Family getaways in Wales are the stuff of holiday legend - with miles and miles of glorious coastline, stunning landscapes and countless beautiful beaches to explore.

2019 will mark the Year of Discovery in Wales, so we’ve put together a list of 10 things to discover as a family while on holiday in our beautiful nation.

Discover secret beaches

There’s a never-ending multitude of coves and sandy, secluded bays to explore in Wales. Head a little bit off the beaten track and you’ll be spoilt for choice, so long as you’re willing to walk a while with your picnic.

Try the remote stretches of the Marloes Peninsula, where you’ll find vast beaches like Marloe Sands and tiny coves like St Bride’s Haven that are just as uncluttered as each other. Some of our favourites include Nolton Haven and Swanlake Bay - see our full guide to finding the best hidden beaches in Pembrokeshire.

Check out the cliffs

Wales has 800 miles of coastal path to discover, with endless epic experiences and seascapes to survey along the way. There’s rugged rocks, dramatic cliffs, hidden inlets and pretty little harbours to hunt out - accompanied by tales of pirates, smugglers and saints.

Wherever you choose to go, you’re pretty much only ever an hour away from the coast - and in our opinion you can’t beat exploring Wales by sea.

The 186-mile Pembrokeshire section covers the north, west and south of the county - spot seabirds fluttering from clifftop nests and dolphins dancing in the waves in the distance.

..Or jump off one

Pembrokeshire is the spiritual home of coasteering, which mostly involves scrambling over rocks, swimming furiously and jumping off cliffs.

Pioneered by adrenalin enthusiasts TYF in St David’s you'll take on Pembrokeshire’s gloriously rocky coastline without fear, doing all the things you were warned not to do as a kid. Go with a qualified instructor to stay safe and literally immerse yourself in the most exhilarating of seaside activities.

Find tiny villages

Take Solva - tucked into a valley on the Pembrokeshire coast, its charming quay and High Street is bustling with pubs, craft shops and art galleries. It’s a great starting point for a walk along the mouth of the River Solva, taking in some of the beautiful coastline.

Or try Little Haven, perched beside a small cove on the west coast of Pembrokeshire near popular Broadhaven beach. It’s an old fishing village with a pretty little beach to wander around and a picturesque stream that washes out into St Bride’s Bay.

There’s also Wales’ tiny city as well - the smallest in Britain. St David’s has only 1,800 people living there so it’s hardly a metropolis - yet there’s lots to see and do. The spectacular cathedral at its heart gives it city status and is the final resting place of St David, Wales’s patron saint. Be sure give the crumbling ruins of Bishop’s Palace a visit, plus browse art galleries such as Pebbles and Oriel y Parc Gallery.

Climb a peak

While famous lofty peaks like Snowdon are easily accessible (and there’s the railway for those not keen on the trek) Wales is literally scattered with rolling countryside that offers panoramic views without schlepping up a mountain. The Preseli Hills are a bit more forgiving though still rise to 536m in the northern half of the Pembrokeshire range. They’re dotted with a few hamlets and villages but are mostly remote, wide-open moorland with an otherworldly feel. Try the short walk to Foel Eryr where the 360 degree panorama leads the eye across the sea to Ireland and Snowdonia on a clear day.

…Or fly down one

Fly down Bluestone’s Steep Ravine valley on four adrenaline pumping cables ranging from 60-250ft, while you ‘surf’ along the top of the forest. Take in the breathtaking views, if you can keep your eyes open!

Watch the wildlife

Wales’s rugged coastline is buzzing with wildlife, including red kites, falcons and puffins out of the water and basking sharks, dolphins and orcas in it. Take a boat trip to Skomer Island to see its booming puffin population.

Embrace the surf

The thought of plunging into the Atlantic Ocean might seem like madness to some, but pull on your wetsuit, grab a board and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try it. Get the little ones bodyboarding or book the whole family in for a lesson at popular surf school spots such as Freshwater West.

Overindulge on the delicious food

From the simple beauty of buttered Pembrokeshire new potatoes to gastronomic creations that would grace the tables of high society, Wales is rapidly becoming a foodie destination. Staying at Bluestone? You can’t go wrong with the Farmhouse Grill, which celebrates Pembrokeshire produce by grilling fresh local meats and fresh - as well as plenty of vegan options using the best fruit and veg the county has to offer.

Trace Dylan Thomas' steps

A bit of a change of pace from surfing and coasteering but retracing the steps of Wales’ troubled poet is among some of the most rewarding experiences (particularly if your family holidays usually have a bit of education planned as standard).

Thomas toured much of Pembrokeshire - holidaying in St Dogmaels, performing in Tenby, taking visitors to St David’s and taking trips to Fishguard and the Sailor’s Safety Inn in Pwllgwaeod. Solva was also a filming location for the 2014 version of his most famous work, Under Milk Wood.

Our friend Helen from Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee came to stay with us recently. Here are Helen's 10 reasons why Bluestone National Park Resort makes the perfect holiday destination for young families.